Six members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) died when a veldfire ravaged the Lohatla training camp in the Northern Cape on Friday.

Major General Rene Mecuur, spokesperson for the SA Army, said in a media statement that the fire broke out on Friday at about 13:45 at the army’s Combat Training Centre (CTC).

“It is reported that the fire rolled over from the western border of the mine that is next to the training area in CTC. Elements of the SA Army are currently deployed in the vicinity in preparation for the annual SA Army exercise, Exercise Vukuhlome, and were deployed in the vicinity when the fire occurred,” Mecuur said.

A fire started at Lohatla yesterday the source is unknown however the fire at 46 Bde has allegedly claimed the life of 5 members. An HR Clerk is allegedly critical and there are other injuries as well. #SANDF pic.twitter.com/xRcbqzkQsw

— Tim Flack 𝕏 (@tim_meh87) October 6, 2023

According to Mecuur, six soldiers died and three were injured with second degree burns. They were taken to the nearest hospital.

The names of the soldiers who passed away will be made public once their next of kin have been informed of their deaths.

“At the moment the focus is to contain the fire and to account for all members who were in the area where the fire occurred,” said Mecuur.

The fire destroyed camping equipment and military vehicles.

“The South African Army is currently assessing the situation on the ground and further information regarding this incident will be communicated in due course as the investigation is still under way.”

Six members of the South African National Defence Force die in a veld fire at Lohatla SA Army Combat Training Centre https://t.co/9Qt7skq387…… #ArriveAlive #VeldFire pic.twitter.com/sammCKqp1u

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 7, 2023

The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The union said in a media statement that a board of inquiry will be assembled by the SANDF to investigate the incident.

“It will determine among other things, the circumstances leading to the loss of personnel and equipment as well as the value of the equipment losses (which by social media footage seem substantial).”

Visuals received of the fire. Six members of the South African National Defence Force die in a veld fire at Lohatla SA Army Combat Training Centre https://t.co/9Qt7skq387…… #ArriveAlive #VeldFire pic.twitter.com/DUlC33v9mf

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 7, 2023

Defence Web reported fires are common at this time of year – the SA weather service reported multiple fires in the Northern Cape this week amidst a heatwave.

According to the publication, at least one similar incident occurred at Lohatla in the 1980s causing the loss of several vehicles.

A wildfire destroyed the South African Army Combat Training Centre at Lohatla, Northern Cape pic.twitter.com/CSWaDH3yQR

— k9_reaper (@k9_reaper) October 8, 2023